The Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution to negotiate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to convert the Oregon National Primate Research Center into a primate sanctuary.[3][1] The center is the largest of the seven federally funded National Primate Research Centers in the US and houses approximately 5,000 monkeys and baboons.[4][10] The NIH is seeking to convert at least one of these centers into a sanctuary to encourage research based on human biology instead of animal experiments.[3][1] The outcome authorizes 180 days of negotiations during which OHSU will suspend primate breeding outside of ongoing studies where possible and will not submit new grant applications for studies requiring primates.[2][4] The NIH is offering federal support for the transition, which includes animal rehoming and retirement, at an expected cost of millions of dollars.[1][4] OHSU emphasizes the maintenance of scientific integrity and the continued care of primates.[1] The decision came after a public council meeting on February 9, 2026.[6][3]